Florence is a city that oozes art, culture, history and cool around every corner. It is the birthplace of the Renaissance and is one of the most stunning cities in all of Europe.
But navigating the different neighbourhoods and districts can be a challenge… and it’s super hard to save money in this expensive city.
That’s why we wrote this insider’s guide to where to stay in Florence!
Written by our expert travelers, this insider guide shares our favourite neighbourhoods and Florence’s hidden gems. We’ll help erase any fears or doubts you might have and we’ll help you find the perfect neighbourhood for your Italian adventure.
Let’s get to it. Here are our top picks for where to stay in Florence, Italy. Some of them are amazing…
Additional reading – Ultimate day trips from Florence, the 17 Best Hotels in Florence and the 15 Best Things to do in Florence.
Table of Contents
At A Glance: Where To Stay In FLORENCE
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Florence.
WHERE TO STAY IN FLORENCE | |||
---|---|---|---|
BEST Air BnBBEST Air BnBAndrea’s BnB |
|
Book on Air BnB → | |
BEST Budget HotelBEST Budget Hotel San Gallo Palace Hotel |
|
Book on Booking.com → | |
BEST Mid-RangeBEST Mid-RangeHorto Convento |
|
Book on Booking.com → | |
BEST Luxury HotelBEST Luxury HotelPalazzo Vecchietti – Residenza D’Epoca |
|
Book on Booking.com → |
If you are looking for the perfect BnB to make yourself feel at home in Florence, you found it! With its wide-open spaces and a loft housing the bedroom, this is an apartment unlike any other! If the design did not have you convinced, you will be pressing that book button as soon as you see the location right by Basilica de St. Croce!
Offering four-star elegance at a fraction of the price, San Gallo Palace Hotel is our favourite budget hotel in Florence. Located in San Marco, it is a great link between the Tuscan countryside and Florence city centre. It has stylish and spacious rooms, a modern fitness centre, and on-site bike rental.
Contemporary, grand and conveniently located, Horto Convento in the Santo Spirito/San Frediano neighbourhood is our top recommendation for a mid-range hotel in Florence. This four-star property has comfortable rooms, great minimalist décor and all the amenities necessary for a relaxing stay. Enjoy free wifi and a lush garden right in the heart of Florence.
Palazzo Vecchietti – Residenza D’Epoca is an elegant and stylish four-star hotel – and one of our top pick for where to stay in Florence. It has a relaxing Turkish steam bath and rejuvenating massage services. Each room is outfitted with a small kitchen, comfortable beds, and air conditioning and heating.
Florence is a city with a rich history and culture. It’s one of Italy’s crown jewels and a must-visit for anyone interested in art, fashion, food, and architecture.
Covering more than 102 square kilometres, Florence is a relatively small city with plenty to see and do. From admiring the ancient landmarks to sampling the best in Italian foods and wandering the winding cobbled streets, there’s something for travellers of all tastes and ages in this Tuscan city.
It is divided into six distinct districts. Every trip should include a visit to at least two or three neighbourhoods to get a good feel for the city.
Hotel Jules Insider Tip
The Duomo is the historic city centre and the most famous neighbourhood in Florence. With its iconic landmarks, Renaissance masterpieces, and impressive views who wouldn’t want to stay in this central neighbourhood!
Surrounding Duomo are the neighbourhoods of Santa Maria Novella, San Marco and Santa Croce. Catering to families, hipsters and budget backpackers, these neighbourhoods offer visitors an authentic slice of Tuscan life. Enjoy the amazing sight, delicious dishes and relaxed atmospheres in any of these Florentine districts.
Across the river are Santo Spirito and San Frediano. These neighbouring ‘hoods combine to form one of the coolest regions in the city. With trendy restaurants, cool clubs, hip bars and stylish boutiques, this district is where you should stay if you want to see and be seen.
PS are you heading on to Palermo? Find the 17 best hotels in Palermo, our top rated things to do in Palermo, and where to stay in Palermo. You’ll also need to know where to stay in Milan, the best hotels in Milan, things to do in Milan, Day Trips From Milan and especially the 17 best museums in Milan.
Still not sure where to stay in Florence? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Now let’s take a look, in more detail, at the five best neighbourhoods in Florence. Each neighbourhood has it’s own flavour and flare and is a little different to the last, so be sure to check out which is right for you!
Duomo is the historic centre of the city. It the best neighbourhood to stay in Florence if you’re visiting for the first time thanks to the Renaissance masterpieces and awesome architecture that dominate its streets and skyline.
The most famous landmark in Florence is the grand and exquisite Duomo di Firenze. Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, this beautiful and ornate cathedral is one of the largest churches in the world. It features intricate details, colourful mosaics and priceless historic frescos.
Hundreds flock to the Duomo each day to explore it’s interior and to climb the 464 steps to the top of the dome to take in panoramic views of Florence.
But there’s more to Duomo than the Cathedral. This neighbourhood is exciting and full of life because of the colourful and entertaining artists and performers, fragrant bakeries and charming cafes that line its winding streets.
Take a stroll through Duomo and get lost in the history and eternal beauty of this amazing Tuscan city.
As if staying in the heart of Florence wasn’t romantic enough, this BnB is by far one of the cutest and charming apartments in the whole city! Open up the floor to ceiling windows and look out over the city skyline! With its soft rosy colors and classical decor, you will be having a one of a kind luxury stay!
PS If you’re heading around Europe, our team of travel experts have compiled the ultimate guide to the 131 best things to do in Europe! And, even if you’re keeping your sights on Italy, check out our fantastic guides to where to stay and things to do in Rome, plus the best hotels and the coolest museums in Rome.
Hotel Perseo is a delightful three-star hotel located in the centre of Florence. It is close to the main tourist attractions, the shopping district and a great variety of restaurants.
Rooms have private bathrooms, cable/satellite channels, and a number of luxurious amenities. There is an on-site bar and a daily breakfast is also available.
A great location, charming décor and modern amenities are just a few of the reasons Be-ONE Art and Luxury Home is one of our top picks for where to stay in Duomo. The rooms are spacious and comfortable and each is outfitted with a mini-bar and free internet access.
This four-star hotel is situated right in the heart of the city. It is within walking distance of the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery and a number of great restaurants and bars. Stylishly decorated, the rooms are comfortable, spacious and come with all the essentials for a relaxing stay.
San Marco is a neighbourhood full of surprises. Located next to the Duomo neighbourhood, this downtown district is the perfect bridge between historic and modern Florence. It is a short walk to the city’s top attractions as well as its most happening bars.
Located northeast of Duomo, San Marco is where you will find a great variety of budget accommodation options. From backpacker hostels to boutique hotels, this well-connected neighbourhood has plenty of options to meet all travel styles and budgets.
Thanks to a continuous flow of backpacking travellers and a large student population, San Marco is a young, friendly and vibrant neighbourhood. It has a great variety of restaurants and bars, and fun and festivities are guaranteed almost every night of the week.
Putting you in a 15th-century building, you will actually be living in a piece of local history! With its wooden staircase leading up to a loft and classic decor, this BnB will give you an experience unlike any other. Rather than being an empty apartment, you will have all of the furnishings and charm to feel right at home.
Offering four-star elegance at a fraction of the price, San Gallo Palace Hotel is our top recommendation for where to stay in San Marco. It has stylish and spacious rooms, a modern fitness centre, and on-site bike rental. Relax in the cosy lounge bar or charming in-house restaurant.
Firenze Number Nine Wellness Hotel is located in the Tuscany Wine Region. A short distance from Florence city centre, this hotel is close to restaurants, bars, and the city’s top sights. It has a sauna, steam baths, and a cosy lounge bar. Guests can even rent bicycles without leaving the property!
Rest, relax and recharge after a day on the town at the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze. This five-star property set in San Marco is close to Florence’s top tourist attractions as well as the Tuscany Wine Region. It has a luxury spa, a sun-soaked terrace, an outdoor pool and a hip on-site bar.
Santo Spirito/San Frediano is a casual and creative area located on the other side of the Arno River. Across from Duomo, these twin neighbourhoods are well-connected throughout Florence and are a short walk to the city’s top tourist attractions.
Santo Spirito/San Frediano is home to architectural masterpieces like the Bianca Cappello House, Fontana dello Sprone and Sant Maria della Carmine. Taking a stroll through Santo/Spirito/San Frediano is a feast for both the eyes and the soul.
Although enjoyable by day, Santo Spirito/San Frediano is a neighbourhood that really comes alive at night! After dark, tourists and locals alike flock to the area and fill streets and squares to enjoy the many bars, restaurants and clubs that call this district home.
Whether you want to dance until dawn or enjoy a casual glass of wine, Santo Spirito/San Frediano is the neighbourhood for you!
PS Are you thinking of exploring Venice? Check out our top 17 amazing hotels in Venice, 15 coolest things to do in Venice and the 25 coolest museums in Venice
These white sunny rooms with a splash of color will have you falling in love with this artsy BnB from the second you hit the door! Complete with a spacious living room, cozy bedroom, and a kitchen, you will be feeling just like a local in Florence!
This three-star hotel is a great base for your time in Santo Spirito. Located close to the city’s best bars, it’s also a short walk to Florence’s top tourist attractions and landmarks. The rooms are charming and spacious, and the hotel has a rooftop terrace, free wifi, and essential amenities.
Modern, spacious and conveniently located, Horto Convento is our recommendation for where to stay in Santo Spirito. This four-star hotel has comfortable rooms, great minimalist décor and all the amenities necessary for a relaxing stay. Enjoy free wifi and a lush garden right in the heart of Florence.
Enjoy style, luxury and stunning views at the Hotel Lungarno in Santo Spirito.
Located at the heart of the neighbourhood, this four-star hotel is close to Florence’s main tourist attractions as well as shopping, restaurants, museums and more. It has an in-house restaurant, a charming lounge bar, and a number of excellent amenities.
Santa Croce is easily the coolest neighbourhood in Florence. Located close to the heart of the city, this eclectic district is still far enough away that it sits on the fringe and maintains it’s authentic charms.
A hub for the hip, young and fashionable, Santa Croce is where you’ll find locals sipping cocktails any night of the week. It has a great selection of restaurants and cafes, and is packed with bars and clubs perfect for people who want to have fun!
Santa Croce is also home to the interesting and incredibly fun to explore Sant’Ambrogio market. A daily indoor/outdoor market housed in one of the oldest religious buildings in the city, Sant’Ambrogio market is where you can find everything from local produce and fresh baked good, to quality fashion and one-of-a-kind jewelry.
There’s always something fun to do in lively and vibrant Santa Croce.
Are you looking for more of a unique artsy stay in Florence? This apartment has a quirky minimalist style with wide-open spaces and high ceilings. The large windows fill the BnB with light, making it the perfect place to kick back and relax! With a location right by Santa Croce Square, this is one of the best BnBs in Florence!
This recently refurbished hotel is close to all of Florence’s hotspots. It is a short walk to the Cathedral, the Ponte Vecchio, and a great variety of bars, restaurants, and cafes. It has a charming on-site bar, a small café, and a helpful and knowledgeable staff.
Hotel Degli Orafi is a charming and authentic hotel in the heart of Santa Croce. It’s located close to the Duomo and is an ideal base for exploring Tuscany’s Wine Region. This elegant four-star hotel has a great rooftop terrace, free wifi, and a welcoming and relaxing library.
A great location, wonderful staff, and a delicious on-site restaurant are just a few of the reasons guests love Hotel Renaissance Florence.
A short walk to the centre of the city, this hotel is close to great food, interesting attractions, and the city’s most vibrant sights. It has a laundry service, free wifi, and a convenient in-house tour desk.
Santa Maria Novella is a charming and attractive neighbourhood located outside the city centre. It is where grand buildings and massive parks sit amongst traditional restaurants and delightful attractions. And, it is our top recommendation for where to stay in Florence for families.
Home to the city’s main train station, Santa Maria Novella is one of the most well-connected neighbourhoods in the city. Here you can also easily hop on a bus or train and explore some of the towns and villages that dot the Tuscan countryside.
If you’d prefer to stay within the city limits, there’s plenty to see and do in Santa Maria Novella. From admiring the amazing architecture to relaxing in the park, this Florence district is packed with activities that will charm and delight travellers of all ages.
You will be feeling as if you are staying in your own personal museum with all of the vintage furnishings and antiques of this BnB! Cozy up in one of the leather chairs, grab a coffee from the kitchen, and gaze out the window as you soak in all of the beauty of this apartment and Florence!
Fun and funky, the Room Mate Luca is one of the cutest hotels in Florence. It has colourful décor, comfortable beds, and spacious guest rooms.
The hotel is also perfect for families as it’s close to restaurants, tourist attractions, and offers babysitting/childminding services. A delicious breakfast buffet is also available.
This four-star hotel is the perfect base for families in Santa Maria Novella. It has an outdoor heated pool, a terrace and a coffee bar, and a friendly and helpful staff.
A short walk from Florence’s most famous landmarks, this hotel is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, museums and shops. Breakfast is also available each morning.
Palazzo Vecchietti – Residenza D’Epoca is an elegant and stylish four-star hotel – and our top pick for where to stay in Santa Maria. It has a relaxing Turkish steam bath and rejuvenating massage services. Each room is outfitted with a small kitchen, comfortable beds, and air conditioning and heating.
Florence is a fantastic city that excites all of its visitors. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture vulture, a fashionista or a foodie with fantastic taste, there’s something for everyone in Florence.
To recap; our favourite neighbourhood in Florence is Duomo. Located at the heart of the city, this neighbourhood is perfect for first-time visitors, architecture aficionados, and everyone in between. It’s where you’ll find the city’s most iconic sights as well as a great variety of authentic and affordable Italian restaurants.
Our favourite hotel is the Horto Convento thanks to its modern décor, spacious interiors and its convenient location. It’s where you can enjoy four-star luxury without the price tag right in the heart of the city.
Have we missed anything? Let us know in the comments below. Have a safe and fabulous time in Florence. Andiamo!
*** Some of the links on Hotel Jules are affiliate links, which means if you do make a purchase, we may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you.) Thank you for using our links! Your support keeps the site going***
Born in Los Angeles, Aaron Hovanesian is one of the original staff writers for Hotel Jules. Having backpacked the world as a young man, Aaron now prefers to travel the world in luxury, proudly staying in the world's most amazing hotels and properties. When Aaron is not traveling he lives in Western Colorado he can be found brewing his own beer (probably an IPA) or spending time with his two amazing golden retrievers.